A Chance of Snow

 

T

he current weather patterns are, in a single word, bizarre! Fires in Colorado, tornados in Tennessee, record high temperatures in various parts of the country, and now a winter storm that threatens the mid-Atlantic states. Just this morning, the weather forecaster indicated there would be heavy snows in the east. That means grocery store managers across the region along with road crews, mail carriers, teachers, and a host of other professions will be scampering about, attempting to do their jobs as the threat of winter weather approaches.

 

 I distinctly remember, as a young boy, being so excited at the prospect of snow. When the weatherman said there was a chance of snow, most people in the area made a pit stop at the grocery store for a few items which were lacking in their pantries.  They bought bread and milk. It seems these are the two commodities most people purchase when the threat of snow is imminent. In addition, they purchased canned items and a few snacks to weather the storm well.  Everyone braced for the wintry impact, not wanting to venture out to face the elements! Usually, however, the weather forecast was a false alarm and we received none of the white stuff. 

 

It’s amazing isn’t it how one little word can incite such a bevy of activity and spur people into action.  Whether or not one flake fell, people were prepared in the event that this was the big one we’d all been waiting for.  It seems we needed to be on the brink of a winter storm before we sprang into action, making sure we were in a constant state of readiness, maintaining our stocks of food and fuel to face any situation. 

 

This is exactly the message Jesus conveyed in Matthew 24:45-47, "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.  I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” Jesus used this illustration of a wise servant who was left in charge of all his master had.  The master promised to return but the servant did not know when this would occur.  So, the servant lived every day as if that day would bring his master home.   

 

Jesus called this man both wise and faithful because he was always in a state of readiness, making sure everything was for his master’s homecoming.  Jesus promised to return and everywhere it seems people are trying to figure out what day it will be.  The Scriptures, however, are very clear that no one will know.  Jesus’ emphasis was on our readiness not on the hour of his return.  We are to be constantly ready, constantly working, constantly sharing the gospel with others, and constantly living our lives according to God’s commands and precepts.  This means we will always be ready for the return of Jesus Christ, whether it be today, tomorrow, or twenty years down the road. 

 

Think about it. Thousands of people order their lives because the weather forecast calls for a 60% chance of snow.  Schedules are be changed, contingency plans are be made, and all the preparations for a blizzard are set in place in the event of significant accumulations of snow and/or ice.  Jesus’ return, however, is 100% certain.  Shouldn’t this alter the way we live?  Shouldn’t’ this make us check our lives to make sure everything is in order?  Shouldn’t we be faithfully about the work God has given us to do?  Are you being wise and faithful today?